Scrabble thought he had found his new forever home. But just 72 hours later he was back at the shelter
Scrabble, a seven-month-old rescue puppy, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as he was rescued from almost certain death at a shelter in Tennessee to the hopeful prospect of a forever home through Shultz's Guest House dog rescue center in Dedham, Massachusetts.
"He was in a high-kill shelter with his brother, Checkers. Our foster carers in the south keep a close eye on euthanasia lists and pull dogs they see have the opportunity to live a better life and be adopted out through our shelter," Merrill Fortier said.
“It's sadly all too common”
Source: SCHULTZ’S GUEST HOUSE RESCUE
Fortier emphasized the commonality of such situations in the rescue landscape, where dogs are rescued from dire circumstances, whether from high-kill shelters or rural areas where they are abandoned.
That's just a snapshot of the problems facing many animal shelters. Annually, a staggering 6.3 million pets find themselves surrendered to shelters, equating to an average of 17,260 pets daily, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The recent 24Pet Shelter Watch Report for January 2023 revealed an increase in the intake of dogs and cats, reaching 46,807—an upswing of 1,744 compared to the same period in 2022.
Unfortunately, approximately 920,000 surrendered animals face euthanasia each year, prompting shelters to intensify efforts to mitigate such outcomes. Initiatives include adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation to enhance the chances of successful adoptions.
The lifelong commitment of Shultz's Guest House
Source: SCHULTZ’S GUEST HOUSE RESCUE
Despite the dedication of organizations like Shultz's Guest House to secure loving homes for dogs, returns remain a persistent challenge.
Merrill Fortier acknowledges that, despite rigorous adopter vetting, returns "happen all too often," with reasons spanning perceived mismatch, underestimated commitment, and evolving life circumstances.
She's seen dogs return anywhere between 24 hours and two weeks after being adopted. Some dogs are even surrendered years later "due to life changes," like the arrival of a baby.
Navigating the challenges of pet adoption, Shultz's Guest House emphasizes the lifelong commitment involved, with adoption coordinators reinforcing these crucial aspects before a pet finds its new home.
Despite these efforts, the allure of bringing home an adorable new puppy can sometimes overshadow the practical considerations of dog ownership, leading to returns.
Scrabble still needs a home
Source: SCHULTZ’S GUEST HOUSE RESCUE
While Scrabble's sibling, Checkers, has successfully found a loving family, Scrabble himself awaits his turn for a happy ending.
Described as an "incredibly sweet and loving pup" by Merrill Fortier, Scrabble's endearing qualities include a penchant for being held, likened to a "little Koala," and a positive demeanor during car rides.
Fortier notes Scrabble's compatibility with other dogs and envisions him thriving in an active family setting, suggesting he may have Australian Cattle Dog lineage due to his distinctive coloring.
Scrabble's journey at the shelter has encountered another twist as he met a potential adoptive family, only to witness them choosing a 10-week-old puppy instead. Now, Scrabble remains in anticipation, still hopeful that the next visitor will be the one to take him to his forever home.
Source: SCHULTZ’S GUEST HOUSE RESCUE
Merrill Fortier emphasizes the importance of finding the right match for Scrabble, emphasizing the need for a patient family, even one with children, who can offer a supportive environment for him to acclimate, providing consistent structure and training.
"He is still very much a puppy. He is an active dog and will need the appropriate mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep him content," she said.
Fortier underscores the significance of recognizing Scrabble's puppyhood and the adjustments he may need during the initial days in a new home. Shultz's Guest House and Scrabble eagerly await the call of a potential adopter, ready to provide the love and stability he deserves.
We all hope that he has an owner who loves him like his own son. If you want to see more animal stories in the world, check out AUBTU.BIZ now!